Sponsored walks - are they still popular?

We have a sponsored walk each year and this year the numbers have increased yet again (as they do every year).
I think part of its success is due to the fact that it is coupled with a fun run (where actually a lot of serious runners participate). Also it is in April, at this time runners are practising for the marathon and the length of the run is perfect for this time during their training.
The lady who holds this event is a runner herself and has run in several marathons so she knows how it all works, which goes in our favour.
It is advertised in several running magazines, which also helps the event.
The walk itself though is also very successful, as well as retired or injured runners who wish to keep fit we have families, friends, dogs etc. As I do not run it myself I cannot say why this is but I do think that having the run with it does help, especially as it's done very professionally. If you decided to do this you could enlist the help of a local runners group who would be in the know of where to advertise etc.
I hope this has been of some help to you.
Holly x